Protecting Tommy Rees is the key to a victory in the Sun Bowl for Notre Dame says coach Brian Kelly.

In the past Miami have been successful in disrupting their opponent’s offenses. The Miami Hurricanes had 37 sacks, which ranks them sixth in the nation and they lead the nation in tackle for losts per game with an average of 8.6.

This made, Notre Dame’s coach, Brian Kelly’s analysis of how the Irish can win the Sun Bowl simple.

He said “We have to be able to protect (quarterback Tommy Rees)… That is absolutely crucial. We can't put this game in a situation where he's got to go out as a freshman and decide the outcome."

Cierre Wood has led the Irish running game very successfully since taking over from Armando Allen. In the last three games he has run for 248 yards. Senior Robert Hughes complemented Wood with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Also Notre Dame makes stopping the run difficult by shifting formations and getting the best possible matchups.

Miami defensive coordinator John Lovett said "They'll spread you out, and what they do is try to dictate your coverage by being spread out and then they will move some people around and try to get you out-manned in the running game…They do a nice job of that schemewise. They've been able to pop some runs on everybody."

Irish offensive coordinator Charley Molnar said he is expecting a big game from Hughes."Robert Hughes, initially as we went through spring ball and summer camp, ran like he was a 172-pounder, always looking for cuts and trying to out-run people around the corner rather than lowering his pads and taking on tacklers and getting the tough yardage that way.”

"Now, he's using his God-given skills and his natural strength and power. He's starting to utilize that, breaking tackles, running guys over and hopefully we'll see the same thing (Friday)."